There’s a general misconception that women, as compared to men, are traditionally more likely to spend a good chunk of time perfecting their appearance and complexion. They are more likely to obsess over a small blemish and others will sieve through countless articles (like the ones we have here on Prologue!) teaching them the ways of improving their current complexion. Men generally prefer simple over the complex when it comes to skin care.

We kept all these in mind and sought out some basic good skincare tips that men should and can easily follow:

TIP #1: WASH YOUR FACE DAILY (ESPECIALLY AFTER A WORKOUT)

If you’re using a bar soap or an one-size-fits-all soap. ditch it. Regular bar soap often can contain harsh ingredients that do more harm than good on your skin. Instead, wash your face daily with a mild cleanser designed for facial cleansing. It’s advisable to clean your face at least twice a day. Always rinse with lukewarm water (not hot!) and pat—don’t rub—dry with a washcloth. After a workout, rinse off any sweat and bacteria lingering on your skin with a good ol’ shower. If that option isn’t directly available, give your face a quick wipe-down with cleansing wipes. This step may seem small but it helps to keep post-workout acne causing bacteria at bay.

TIP #2: SHAVE GENTLY

If you are prone to razor bumps, razor burn, and/or ingrown hairs, it may mean that it’s time to switch out your blade and change up your technique. Multi-blade razors can be too harsh for some men, so try a single- or double-blade razor and make certain not to stretch your skin while shaving. Before shaving, wet your skin and hair with lukewarm or warm water to soften it up a bit and open your pores up. Lather shaving cream and shave in the direction of hair growth. Always remember to replace any blade that has become dull (after about five to seven shaves) to reduce the risk of irritation. Follow up with after shaving with an after-shave gel/balm to soothe and hydrate the area.

TIP #3: USE A TONER

Toners are a great foundation for your skincare routine as they reduce oil levels, thereby mattifying the face. When oil levels are in check, any serum or moisturizer applied thereafter will be absorbed more easily. However, toners should be used after cleansing (and exfoliating, more on it later).

Place a few drops in your hands or on a cotton pad, and distribute evenly around the face, especially in areas most susceptible to acne and oil accumulation. Following a shave, you can also apply toner to prevent clogged pores and ingrown hairs.

We recommend the Revive – Glycolic Toner, an alcohol-free toner enriched with a unique blend of alpha-hydroxy acids and Vitamins C & E to effectively clarify sluggish complexions and protect it against free radicals that cause signs of aging.

Revive – Glycolic Toner

TIP #4: MOISTURISE, MOISTURISE AND YES, MOISTURISE!

A common misconception is that only dry skin needs additional moisture. All skin needs moisture—even oily! As we previously mentioned, dry skin affects males (and females, equally!) and is even more prevalent in older individuals as they are prone to having dry skin. Our skin tends to produce diminished amounts of natural skin oils and lubricants as we age and the amount of water vapor in the surrounding air or ‘humidity’ is another cause of dry skin. Not only can a moisturizer hydrate your skin, it can also help reduce the appearance of fine lines and reveal younger-looking skin. After cleansing, showering, or shaving, apply moisturizer to your face and body while your skin is still damp.

We recommend the Balance – Hydraclear Gelmade from a special blend of herbal extracts and natural Aloe Vera, massage a small amount into skin daily, day and night, after toning or as directed by your skincare professional to relieve dry, irritated, acne-prone skin.

TIP #5: PROTECT YOUR SKIN AGAINST THE SUN WITH SUNSCREEN

Wrinkles, fine lines, dark spots are signs of aging that aren’t limited to only women. Prevent sun damage that by applying broad-spectrum SPF 15 or higher to all exposed areas of skin before going outdoors. You can also opt for a moisturiser containing SPF. Make sure to reapply every two hours. It’s wise to invest in protective clothing, hats, sunglasses, and more to protect your skin even further.

We recommend the Flawless – Skin Perfecting Moisturiser. which is non-comodogenic, oil- and paraben-free. Containing a broad-spectrum SPF20, this moisturiser/sunscreen provides protection against sun damage and prevents pore congestion that can lead to breakouts and milia seed formation. Its hydrating and weightless texture also offers light coverage in Light or Natural shades.

Flawless – Skin Perfecting Moisturiser

TIP#6: APPLY A SERUM

Introduce essential ingredients and into your skin care routine by applying a serum! There are serums available address signs of aging, tone, texture, and more. Serums are far lighter (and faster to absorb) than moisturisers, and they keep your skin hydrated without contributing to that greasy feeling that we all dread so much. When you’re skin is hydrated, your skin won’t go nuts overproducing sebum—thus making your face appear less oily in the long run.

TIP #7: EXFOLIATE YOUR SKIN

Exfoliation helps keep your skin clear and more even as it gets rid of flaky skin cells. Look for chemical exfoliants as they do a better job of dissolving dead skin cells without irritating or damaging the skin. The exfoliator should be applied to damp skin in a gentle, circular motion. And remember: don’t scrub! Scrubbing only aggravates the skin and exacerbates any existing skin issues.

TIP #8: SCHEDULE A FACIAL TREATMENT

In addition to sticking to an at-home skin care routine, getting a facial can also help you address your concerns. A well-rounded skin care routine with a good treatment programme can often deliver strong results. Facials aren’t just a pampering treat; they are also key to healthy skin especially when pairing a well-rounded skin care routine with a good treatment programme. To maintain a radiant healthy glow, try to fit in at least a facial once a week.

We recommend:

PORCELAIN TRAVEL ESSENTIALS (OILY-COMBINATION)

A HANDY, TRAVEL-SIZED ESSENTIALS KIT FOR THAT WELL-DESERVED ESCAPADE

It’s so easy to have fresh, clean and radiant skin wherever you go — even if you’re just in the office and need a quick midday cleanse! A combination of a cleanser, toner and moisturiser, this travel kit helps brighten skin and evens out your skin tone. It also fights the effects of exposure to environmental pollutants, revealing healthier, more radiant skin with every step.

Sandpaper may be great for refinishing a piece of furniture or smoothing out a patch job on a wall, but it’s not something you would want to be compared to your skin. Rough, dry skin is in no way a handy thing to keep around. It can be more than just frustrating with its redness, flaking, tightness, pain or itchiness. It can also be embarrassing, something that makes you tuck your hands in your pockets or hide those body parts more prone to roughness — say, the front of your legs, arms and even your midsection. There are self-care measures you can take to manage this — or perhaps get rid of it completely. Read on to learn the causes of, and five skin care tips for, men’s rough skin.

Causes of Men’s Rough Skin

Dryness is not the only cause of rough skin. Several other medical challenges also comprise the rough skin category, such as:

Psoriasis: Known for causing irritated and red skin, this condition is caused by an overactive immune system. Manifestations commonly appear on the feet, palms, back, face, scalp, knees and elbows.

Keratosis pilaris: This skin condition causes small bumps and rough spots on the thighs, arms and buttocks. Although not a serious condition or harmful, it does affect the skin’s appearance.

Eczema: Eczema is an umbrella term for skin conditions that cause rashes. Atopic dermatitis, which is a rash caused by an allergen, is a common form of eczema. Symptoms include inflammation, redness and itchiness.

#1 Make The Most Of Your Moisture

Just as you can’t count on your pull-up bar or running shoes to make you physically fit without putting in the work on your own, you can’t rely on your natural oils to keep roughness at bay. You have to put in the work — moisturizing. And your skin’s natural oils and your moisturizer have to work together.

Your skin has a nice coating of lipids — basically fatty, oily substances — that help keep it moist. When something strips that layer of lipids away, dry skin is the result. However, you can keep your skin’s moisture intact by basically glueing it to yourself with the help of a moisturizer.

Your first step is getting your hands on a moisturizer that works for you. Head to your local drugstore, where you’ll find plenty of economical options. You need a moisturizer that will help your rough skin, so go with a nice thick option without added alcohol or perfumes. Check for rough-skin-friendly ingredients, such as petroleum, glycerin and lanolin.

Your second step is actually using the moisturizer. Don’t be bashful! Slather it on three to four times each day, including right after you shower and when you wash your hands.

#2 Wash (and Shower) Wisely

Credit: Askmen

Do childhood nightmares of being known as the “stinky kid” have you scrubbing your skin off every day? If so, you need to wash more wisely to help your rough skin. Watch your method and frequency.

As enticing as a steaming hot shower might be, stick with a milder water temperature. And keep your time under the water’s spray at less than 15 minutes.

Also, rethink how many times you put soap to skin. Sensitive facial skin needs to be washed just once a day [source: American Academy of Dermatology]. Underarms and genital areas need soaping every day, but most folks can clean the other areas of their body just two to three times each week.

When it comes to your hands, though, the best way to stop the spread of infections, such as influenza, is to wash your hands after you use the restroom — every time. So wash away, but be sure to moisturize your hands after.

#3 Practice Product Prudence

When it comes to your products, what works for your sweetheart might not work for you. Although you don’t have to go fancy if you have different skin types, skin care options may be something you can’t share.

Credit: Men’s Botanics

Earlier, you learned what to look for in your moisturizers, but what about cleansers for rough skin? First, when it comes to facial and body cleansers, go with a liquid option over a bar, which can be tough on your skin. Second, shy away from added ingredients not well-suited to men’s rough skin, such as alcohols, antibacterial detergents and deodorants. Instead, look for added fats and oils.

If your face and body are similar in skin type, try going double-duty and use the same product for both. And just as you can go with less-expensive options for your moisturizer, seek an affordable selection.

If you find that your skin care regimen just isn’t taking care of your skin issues, you may want to consider some over-the-counter helpers. For example, creams with urea or cortisone cream for itchiness control can help soothe rough skin

#4 Keep Irritants at Bay

All the moisturizer in the world may not be enough to protect your skin from the products and chemicals you can encounter on a daily basis — either from your own home or on the job. In fact, exposure to household chemicals, especially exposure involving sensitive skin, can lead to a rash, swelling or redness.

Therefore, proceed with caution. Follow these steps to protect your skin when working with different chemical products:

Keep your eyes open! Watch for warning labels, such as “danger” or “use in a well-ventilated area.” Always read the labels on products and follow directions.

#5 Stress Less

Credit: Peter Forster

The skin care regimen you follow and the products you use can get you only so far. You also need to consider a holistic approach to keeping your skin smooth. In fact, did you know that when it comes to skin challenges, such as eczema, stress can bring on flare-ups?

So to make sure that you don’t sabotage your other skin care efforts put stress management at the top of your list. This may seem daunting considering just how many stressors we have coming our way daily, but it’s certainly possible.

To curb the stress in your life, the first thing you need to do is put a name to it! Do you feel pressure from family issues, health concerns or your job? By identifying your stress, you can then determine if there are authentic steps you can take to mitigate it.

That said, some things may not be able to be changed. In those instances, add some healthy coping techniques to your life. For example, try meditating, getting physically active, playing or listening to music, practising yoga and connecting with friends and family in social settings. Practising these coping mechanisms will help your inner peace visibly shine through in the form of healthier skin.

READ MORE STORIES HERE:

Catch up with our previous stories on tips for dealing with other skin types for men!

Oily skin is the bane of most people’s existence and is commonplace amongst many men. By mid-day, your forehead has enough shine to blind, and the oil still wouldn’t stop coming. Read on for five tips for men’s oily skin.

#1 Don’t Be Afraid of Products

Yes, your papa used plain old soap to wash his face every day. But he also gave you french fries before you had teeth. The man’s wisdom was not infallible.

There are warehouses full of products out there that companies spent multiple years and millions of dollars formulating so that you would buy them to make yourself look great. (Makes you feel kinda special, doesn’t it?) Men whose medicine cabinets are startlingly bare often just don’t know what to buy. And we don’t blame you — half the stuff written on the hundreds of bottles in the drugstore is gobbledygook, anyway. But be brave. A teenage boy can get away with just a tube of zit cream and a stick of deodorant in the bathroom drawer, but a grown man cannot.

You really only need a few things, like a gentle cleanser and moisturizer (we’ll get into that in a minute), and if you can’t choose on your own, there’s probably a sister or female friend around who can help. If you’re too embarrassed to do that, take a look around the bathroom of your most GQ friend the next time you’re over. It’s not creepy if it’s research.

Maybe the best thing you can pick up: a mattifier. Better than rabbit-out-of-a-hat sleight of hand, this is make-your-face-matte-instead-of-shiny magic in a bottle.

#2 Be Gentle

Credit: Hisu Lee

Of course, you’d want to wash your face when it looks like you’ve smeared olive oil all over it. But doing it 20 times a day in scalding water with a chemical-smelling, harsh cleanser isn’t going to work — it actually makes it worse.

You can certainly get your skin nice and dry that way. Too dry. And then your usually well-oiled skin will start freaking out because you’ve quite literally irritated it. As a result, your body ratchets up oil production to try to protect itself from whatever is attacking it: i.e. you.

Oily skin and acne are all too often BFFs, as well. If you have acne, it’s even more important not to scrub away at your face with gritty exfoliants and zillion-percent benzoyl peroxide washes. You have to be nice to it, instead. Use warm water and a gentle cleanser, and then schedule a trip to the dermatologist. Some cases of acne simply can’t be treated effectively with over-the-counter products, and the answer to your skin problem may be as easy as picking up a prescription for an oral antibiotic or topical cream.

#3 Yes, Moisturize

It sounds nuts: Slap some moisturizer on oily skin? Uh, sure, I’ll get right on that. But oil and moisture are two different things.

Everybody’s skin needs extra moisture. There are too many things out there — from cold winds to hot furnaces — that are busy stealing it from you. The best moisturizer for oily skin will be light and oil-free (bonus points if you find one with sunscreen). If the packaging says “rich and creamy,” move past it — it’s not for you, and it may actually be salad dressing.

After that, all you have to do is put it on right, which is where most people screw up. The second you get out of the shower or finish washing your face, pat (don’t rub — pat) your skin dry and then smooth on the moisturizer while your skin’s a bit damp so the moisturizer can soak in.

#4 Stay Away From Steroids

Credit: Hush Naidoo

When you look in the mirror, you want to like what you see. We all have different tastes, but if your heart’s desire is to look like you’ve been working out with Ryan Reynolds for “The Green Lantern,” don’t think steroids are going to do it. Steroid use can help you develop some awe-inspiring musculature, sure, but not without side effects. Acne is the most common, followed by oily skin.

You know how steroids make your muscles bigger? They do the exact same thing to the sebaceous glands. And — surprise — bigger oil glands equal more oil. So if you want to look totally ripped, you’re going to have to do it the old-fashioned way. Unless you were really hoping for disfiguring scars, in which case, go for it.

#5 Make It A Routine

Discipline: It’s not just for the military. Good skin takes hard work. Drink lots of water and wear lots of sunscreen. Put in the time and effort to find products that work for you and use them like you’re supposed to. Wash your face, gently, every morning and every evening (even if your less-oily friends can get by with once-a-day washing). It doesn’t matter if you’re too tired or you’ve had one too many — you do it.

The good news is that this is the kind of hard work that gets you somewhere — well-tended skin looks nice. And if it’s still a little slick some days, comfort yourself that when you get older, you’re going to have a much easier time with ageing than your drier counterparts. While they’re slathering their newly thinner, less elastic, more fragile hide with Crisco, you’ll be sitting pretty. But in the meantime, you’re not helpless.

For all you know, James Bond endured the same oily problem. He just had a really good mattifier.

READ MORE STORIES HERE:

Catch up with our previous stories on tips for dealing with other skin types for men!

In past years, a man’s skin-care regimen generally consisted of aftershave and a mild sunburn. With our increasing longevity and continued research and development into skin care, many of us now see the sense in caring for the protective suits we arrived in.

The skin you’re walking around in is actually your body’s largest organ. It’s useful and resilient: It holds water in, it keeps bacteria and viruses out, and you can even spill drinks on it without it staining.

But if you have excessively dry skin — and many, many people do — your skin’s function is compromised. Not only will it feel tight, itchy and uncomfortable, but skin that’s scaly or cracked also offers vulnerable points-of-entry to dangerous pathogens.

#1 Use Moisturizer

Your skin has its own natural moisturizer, or at least it should. The surface of your skin produces a mix of lipids, oils and dead skin cells that come together to form a handy, protective layer. Most people need to wash this layer off, lest it continue building up into an oily mess that wreaks havoc on their pores, not to mention their dating success.

Various health conditions (such as diabetes or kidney problems) can cause excessively dry skin, but more often genetics is to blame. Not everyone’s skin produces lots of protective oil, and daily washing strips off what oil there is in the first place.

Moisturizer isn’t terribly manly, but neither is complaining about dry skin. While some men only dampen their faces with tears of joy when watching the stirring finale of a monster-truck rally, moisturizer really can go a long way in giving the skin a healthier appearance. And when it comes to preventing dry, cracked skin, it’s your first line of defense.

When it comes to moisturizer, some products are watery, some are oily and there’s practically no limit to what ingredients they may contain. Try a few out to find one that works for you. Start with something simple and greasy, with a short list of ingredients. Through trial and error, you’ll find one that keeps the itching and discomfort at bay.

#2 Wet, Then Moisturize

Dry skin usually appears on the abdomen, arms, legs, hands or feet, but it’s also common on the face, where it creates a sensation of tightness. While dry skin shouldn’t be any reason for alarm, it can cause a minor revolution among your skin cells if it’s left unchecked. Dry skin occurs when skin cells that are near or past the end of their cellular lives clump together, creating tiny scales. The rest of your skin doesn’t like this, especially since these scales leave spaces between them that can easily be breached by allergens, bacteria or viruses. The rest of the skin may suffer, either from contact with an allergen or from an immune-system response to the excessively dry skin. The immune-system response may lead to swelling and inflammation. This is dermatitis.

As we mentioned earlier, you can prevent dry skin by using moisturizer. However, moisturizer can actually cause problems if you don’t wet your face first. Many moisturizers are occlusive, meaning they form a layer on your skin that keeps moisture from getting out. But if there’s little moisture in the skin to begin with, you’re just trapping in the dryness, so to speak. Always splash a little water on your face so the moisturizer will have something to seal in.

#3 Don’t Smoke

If you leave a trail of skin flakes wherever you go, you may want to limit your exposure to cigarette smoke. If you’re a smoker and you need another reason to quit, here it is: Smoking is not only going to prematurely age your skin, it’s also likely worsening or even outright causing its dryness.

When you’re a smoker, your face spends a lot of time in contact with smoke. Just like the inside of a chimney darkens in due time, your face is going to begin showing signs of the near-constant presence of tobacco smoke, as will your hands. Smoking damages and dries out the skin. In addition to the dryness caused by the smoke, particles and pollutants in the smoke will settle on your skin and form a residue. In time, this residue will result in blocked pores, discoloration and generally unhealthy-looking skin. We don’t need to cover all the reasons smoking’s bad for you, but if your dry skin’s driving you crazy — or if you just want to look your best — that’s all the reason you need to kick the habit for good.

#4 Avoid Winter Woes

Even people with oily skin may have to deal with dryness during winter, especially if they spend much time outdoors. When temperatures plunge and winter winds whip up, skin — and its ability to retain moisture — takes a beating.

During the winter months, the air is less humid than during other times of the year. In this way, the world is literally sucking the moisture out of your skin. Stopping that is no easy feat.

However, there are steps you can take to maintain healthy skin in the winter:

Stay hydrated. Give your skin its own chance to replace moisture lost to evaporation.

Avoid being out in the elements when possible. When outside, protect your face, hands and any other exposed skin from the cold weather.

Gently wash and moisturize your face once a day, and re-moisturize later in the day. Look for an oil-based moisturizer that helps your skin seal in its existing moisture.

These simple steps will help give your skin relief until spring rolls back around.

#5 No Dozing In Winter

Most people start — or end — the day with a nice, long shower, or even a bath if there’s time. It’s a great way to relax, and it washes grease and grime off your body. But as you strip away those oils, you also remove a very important protective layer that helps prevent moisture from escaping through your skin.

If you can cut out tub baths entirely, doing so will improve your dry skin. You can also help improve your skin’s condition by shortening your showers to just a few minutes and cutting back on the hot water. And be aware that soap dries out your skin. Try to avoid using soap unnecessary, such as soaping and scrubbing the backs of your calves after spending a leisurely winter’s day inside reading. If you haven’t broken a sweat since the last time you bathed, you can skip the shower entirely.

READ MORE STORIES HERE:

Catch up with our previous stories on tips for dealing with other skin types for men!

The days when a guy could just shave, shower and hit the road for a big date are all but a fond memory. Good grooming and plenty of it is the order of the day for both sexes. Owning the right tool to tame a cowlick, excise a hangnail or put some sparkle in your smile is important, especially if your social life involves more than delivery pizza and a series of solitary evenings in front of the flat screen.

Let’s take a look at five must-have grooming aids for the budding metrosexual. You don’t need to be a fashion conscious urban dweller to get on board with a regular grooming routine, either. Maintaining healthy teeth and gums, soft skin, and clean, short nails can keep you healthier, too.

Toothbrush

OK, most men brush their teeth, but maybe not enough. The condition of your teeth can affect everything from your smile to your heart health, so brush twice a day and between meals if you can manage it. You might also want to consider brushing your tongue — yeah, it’s an extra step, but germs lurk and linger there, too.

We like electric toothbrushes over manual. Although there may be little difference in scientific tests between manual and electric methods, that’s only when the manual brushing is done correctly. Electric toothbrushes that use rotation oscillation make the process pretty idiot-proof and get the job done right every time. The brush does all the work, whirling around your mouth like a dervish, and all you have to do is hold on.

Rotation oscillation toothbrushes make it easier for you to get at the plaque under your gum line and do a more thorough job of brushing between teeth. If you tend to lose track of time while brushing, many electric toothbrushes also have handy timers to let you know when your molars and bicuspids are minty fresh and ready to greet the new day.

A Brush & A Comb

Even if your mane isn’t your crowning glory, you’ll still need these two tools to keep it under control. Hair is notorious for being unruly, especially when you have a big meeting or date coming up. When the wind blows, there’s nothing like a comb for a quick fix-up, so keep one handy at all times. A small or folding comb will fit in your pocket and help turn a bad hair day into, well, a better hair day. If you have very thick, curly hair, choose a comb with wide teeth. That way you’ll never be the guy who has to call his barber or stylist to schedule an emergency comb-ectomy.

For your morning grooming ritual, you’ll want a hairbrush, too. We like soft, natural-bristle brushes. They’re gentle but still perform some scalp massage without much risk of yanking valuable hairs out in the process. They’re also very effective at lubricating your hair with the natural oils from your scalp. If you have dandruff, though, opt for a stiff-bristle brush that will stimulate good blood flow and keep your dandruff under better control.

Nail Clippers

Nail care is important. Clean nails harbor fewer bacteria, and short, well-trimmed nails (and toes) will leave you less vulnerable to problems like hangnails and ingrown toenails. It’s easy to find nail and toe clippers in those cute faux leather, zip up kits, but save your pennies and invest in a pair of precision nail clippers and a larger pair of toe clippers.

Look for clippers that will fit the curve of your nail so that one or two quick snips will do the job cleanly. That way, you won’t need to use a file to tidy up afterward. Toenail clippers should make relatively straight cuts and be strong enough to cut your big toe nail without shredding it or forcing you to shift your grip.

Manscaping Trimmers

Manscaping is the manly art of hair removal, and your personal preferences (and those of your significant other) will dictate what types of manscaping activities you find essential for good grooming. You may want to carve a couple of eyebrows out of your unibrow, give the back of your neck a touchup between haircuts, banish those stray hairs peeking out of your nose or ears, thin your beard, or perform some landscaping on your back or points south.

There are specialty razors for all kinds of manscaping tasks. The trick is to marry the right tool with the task and learn to use it effortlessly. Some newer specialty razors have multiple blades and can perform more than one function by just switching out the head. They can be versatile and convenient — after a little practice. Single function razors, like those with spinning blades that won’t snag the tender skin in your nose or nick your earlobe, can only remove hair efficiently from a few areas, but what they do, they do very well.

A Razor

Choosing your style of razor is a very personal thing. Nine out of 10 boys and men over the age of 15 shave. Shaving is a rite of passage. Dads teach their sons, and boys emulate their fathers. It all sounds so traditional, and it would be if methods of shaving and facial hair fashions weren’t always changing.

If you went back a couple of generations, you’d get a good argument for using a straight edge razor to get a close shave. Fast forward a bit and you’ll find advocates of safety razors for ease of use. Today, proponents of electric razors will tell you that they’re as good as anything else on the market, easier to use and safer, too. Actually, you can still probably find proponents of all three points of view, together with hold outs who believe that shaving at all is ridiculous and unnatural.

The take away is that there are lots of options. We like electric razors because they’re convenient, available for use wet or dry, and you can almost always find a size, shape and blade style for your skin type and the task you have in mind. Whether you’re looking for long battery life, a lightweight option or just like the idea of an onboard moisturizer dispenser, you’ll be able to find it in an electric razor.